The University of Johannesburg (UJ) community rallied great support for the Senior Men’s Rugby Team in the opening match against Central University of Technology (FNB CUT) on Monday night. Despite strong support from the home crowd, UJ struggled to contain CUT’s dominance, particularly in the first half.
Photo: Mandetory credit: Christiaan Kotze/asemengage
The visitors took charge of matters on the pitch scoring their first try and converting after just eight minutes played. CUT Ixias quickly established control, scoring three tries and a conversion to take a commanding 17-0 lead. FNB UJ managed to respond with a penalty from Mihle Matinise, but CUT maintained their advantage going into halftime as they continued to dominate mauls from lineouts.
With FNB UJ down to 14 men on the pitch after a UJ player was sent off the pitch for a dangerous tackle. The game went into the halftime break with a 17-3 lead for the visitors.
In the second half, a more determined UJ performance earned the hosts tries from Adriano Jackson and Liam Rowan to narrow the gap. However, CUT Ixias continued to press, adding two more tries to their tally. FNB UJ’s two tries managed to reduce the deficit, but it was not enough to dent FNB CUT’s lead.
Photo: Mandetory credit: Christiaan Kotze/asemengage
FNB CUT player was also sent off in the second half after a dangerous tackle saw the UJ player off the pitch on a medical stretcher cart. In the end, the visitors walked away with a 29-13 victory away from home.
SCORERS:
FNB UJ 13 (3)
Tries: Adriano Jackson, Liam Rowan.
FNB CUT 29 (17)
Tries: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Devinto Vergotine, Juan Smith, Malcom Lamont.
FNB Player That Rocks: Juan Smith (CUT)
TEAMS
UJ: Angelo Dube, Ryan Marimo, Bian van der Rensburg, Jaden Baillie, Josh du Toit, Dylan Viljoen, Siyemukela Ndlovu ©, Kamo Molefe, Berwyn Bosch, Mihle Matinise, Ughan Africa, Reuven Ferreira, Sifiso Dlamini, Adriano Jackson, Asemahle Mafenyana.
CUT: Jan Hendrik Bessenger, Tokelo Ntaopane, Sisipho Nofuya, Asekho Marubelela, Kevin Strydom, JT van der Walt, Jakobus Cloete, Francois Bester ©, KT Sono, Juan Smith, Adielson Gouveia, Liam Prinsloo, Zachery Bester, Liam Pekeur, Devinto Vergotine.
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